The Potassium Load From Blood Transfusion

Abstract

The blood components used in transfusion are a source of exogenous potassium, a critical factor if a patient's potassium intake should be limited. The physician cannot evaluate the total potassium load in a transfusion from plasma values alone; he must also consider red blood cell lysis. The potassium level of stored blood increases with duration of storage, and during the first 24 hours after transfusion, the erythrocytes lyse in vivo, releasing potassium to the extracellular fluid.